PALO ALTO BUDDHIST TEMPLE

2751 LOUIS ROAD PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94303 TELEPHONE: (650)856-0123 FAX: (650)856-9130

We strive to embody Buddhism in action.  Wisdom and

compassion, gratitude, and acceptance of change are the essence of our teachings.  With respectful acceptance of others, we offer spiritual learning in an active social community of harmonious cooperation.

Table of Contents

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Welcome Message

Minister’s Biography

Brief History

The Organization

Resident Minister

PABT Board of Directors

Affiliated Organizations

Committees & Purposes

The Office

Facilities Reservations

The Sangha Guide

Joining the Temple

How to become a member

Pledge System/Donations

Membership…A Two-Way Path

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

Special Service Descriptions

Buddhist Spiritual Services/Calendar

Brochures/Handouts

Introduction to Buddhism

Introduction to Jodo Shinshu

Pledge Information and Card

Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)

Welcome Message

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We appreciate your interest, visit, and participation in our temple teachings, practices, and activities.

Our dharma teachings are rooted in Shin Buddhism, which focuses on the act of taking refuge in Amida Buddha [the timeless Buddha of Infinite Light (wisdom) and Infinite Life (compassion)] embodied in the Name – Namu-Amida-Butsu. This dharma path, emerging in 12^th Century Japan with its founder, Shinran Shonin (1173-1261), focuses its faith and practice in ordinary, lay-oriented life captured in the spirit of “neither monk nor layman.” Its message is to live in the midst of an ordinary life, meaningfully and gratefully, transformed and empowered by the heart of Buddha’s boundless compassion and wisdom.

Our temple programs and activities are open to all who wish to observe or participate in them. We especially welcome anyone who wishes to join in fellowship in sharing and supporting our collective quest towards enlightened understanding and actions in our daily life.

May the spirit of loving-kindness (metta) surround you and prevail in your participation and/or visit to our temple worship and activities.

With palms together (gassho),

Rev. William Masuda, Ed.D.

Resident Minister

Minister’s Biography

Reverend William Masuda, Ed.D

Ordination: Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest, Nishi Hongwanji, l964

Education:

B.A., Psychology, California State University, San Francisco, l962

M.A., Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Studies, Ryukoku University, l965

Ed.D., Counseling Psychology, School of Education, University of San Francisco, l993

Experience:

Ministry assignments:

• Palo Alto Buddhist Temple (2002-present)
• Fresno Betsuin (1997-2002)
• Buddhist Temple of Marin (Mill Valley, 1987-1997)
• Los Angeles Betsuin (1973-1974)
• Fresno Betsuin (1968-1973)

Other Positions:

• Director of Buddhist Education for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (1976-1983)
• Director of the Buddhist Study Center for the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (1976-1983)
• Director of Buddhist Education for the BCA (1983-1986)
• Interim Director of the Institute of Buddhist Studies (1983-1986)
• Instructor at California State University, Long Beach (1973-1974)
• Instructor at Buddhist Study Center, Honolulu (1976-1983
• Instructor at Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley (1983-1986)
• Practiced psychotherapy and counseling in Berkeley, San Rafael and San Jose (1987-1996)

Family status:

Married, 3 children – 2 sons and daughter (deceased)

Brief History

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place, almost anyplace, can be turned into a very special place if there are very special people with a dream, a heart for compassion and gratitude, and a will, determination and tenacity to carry out their common goal. So it was in Palo Alto, too, that a very special place evolved over a period of 90 years. Here are some landmark events:

· The Alta Mesa Memorial Park, on a lovely spring day in 1914, where a special group of very concerned and dedicated Issei stalwarts discussed with a dedicated minister from San Francisco the possibility of starting a Buddhist place of worship in Palo Alto.

· The homes of a group of generous believers where the earliest Buddhist services were held in 1914.

· The Kaneda Home Laundry, until 1915, when the growing numbers of believers had to be accommodated at a larger place.

· The home on Ramona Street rented from 1925 to 1927 by the ever growing number of members. The women members formed the first Fujinkai and the younger members formed the young people’s group.

· Another home on Ramona Street purchased in 1927, served as a temple for the still increasing numbers of Palo Alto Buddhists until the outbreak of the war and subsequent internment in 1942.

· The internment camps from 1942 until 1945, where the Palo Alto Buddhists continued to follow, under most trying conditions, the Teachings of the Buddha.

· The homes of the members in 1945, when a few Palo Alto Buddhists returned and quickly resumed their Buddhist activities.

· The Native Sons Hall downtown in 1946, when more faithful Buddhist members returned from the internment camps. The Dharma School was resumed.

· The old Japanese-American Society Building, in 1947, where the ever-devoted Sangha members, restored the remaining organizations in the temple.

· The empty lot purchased in 1953, where our first temple was to be built by the dedicated and devoted Sangha members.

· The new temple dedicated in 1954, for the first time, was able to retain its own minister. Previously, all the temple services and activities were overseen by truly dedicated, generous, and overworked “itinerant” ministers who came from other temples near and far. The devoted work of these very special people provided the inspiration and the incentive for the Palo Alto Sangha to continue on the Path to a greater understanding of Buddhism. Our debt to them can never be fully repaid, but their noble effort and thoughts will always continue to inspire and guide us.

· The new Dharma School building built in 1964 to accommodate the constantly growing number of young people in our Sangha.

· The minister’s residence finally built in 1968, by grateful members.

NOTE: For further detailed historical information, see references in the temple library.

The Organization

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Resident Minister

The resident minister has a wide range of responsibilities towards the Sangha and outside the temple. These include:

· Conducting regular religious services (Sunday morning, monthly memorial, major Buddhist observances)

· Conducting study classes

· Conducting group, family and individual services

· Conducting special services which can include funerals and related services, engagement and wedding ceremonies and memorial services

· Acting as advisor to affiliate organizations

· Counseling

· Participating in community activities

· Participating at Bay District and Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) levels.

PABT Board of Directors

The PABT Board of Directors consists of 30 members, each of whom hold three-year terms. Officers include: President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Secretary, Religious Coordinator, Controller, Auditor and Ex-Officio. A list of the current board is provided in this packet.

Affiliated Organizations

· BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (BWA)
The focus of BWA activities is on the study and propagation of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism through shared experiences, fellowship and educational programs. The annually-elected cabinet and members meet monthly to discuss and plan a wide variety of community and educational activities to support the temple and temple community.

· CHOIR
The adult and children’s choir perform at all major religious services and special events both at the temple and externally. An annual choir festival is held at various temples.

· DHARMA SCHOOL
The PABT Dharma School provides an environment for children from preschool through high school to listen to and experience the Dharma. With students in 5 levels of class, the PABT Dharma School presents the Jodo Shinshu teachings through age appropriate lessons and activities.

· JUNIOR YOUNG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION (JR. YBA)
The PABT Jr. YBA is a high school aged youth group. Besides various social activities, the Jr. YBA also provides community service at both the local and Bay District level. Through attendance at conferences throughout California, the Jr. YBA members are able to connect with other Jodo Shinshu Buddhists their age.

The Organization (continued)

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· TAIKO
To represent the commanding and universal voice of the Buddha, the Buddhist drum has been used along the path of Buddhism since ancient times. As a goal, the Buddhist taiko teaches the drummer the Dharma of unity – the ideal world of harmony.

Palo Alto’s taiko efforts began in circa 1995. Interested members of the Sangha are welcome to join the taiko group and encouraged to play and listen to the Buddhist taiko to supplement the learning of the teachings of the Buddha.

· YUWAKAI
The Yuwakai is open to Temple members 65 years of age or older for which “Bonenkai”, luncheons and trips are planned. Helping Hands Group are an integral part of the Yuwakai.

· TOMONIKAI
This is an offshoot of the Yuwakai where the Senior Sangha get together every Wednesday at 10 AM to socialize. Social gatherings include talking, play cards, knitting, taichi, etc. On the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30 AM, a Japanese language service is conducted.

Committees & Purposes

· BAZAAR
Coordinates all activities pertaining to our annual major fund-raising Bazaar during the Obon season

· BUDDHIST EDUCATION & LIBRARY (BEC)
Supports Buddhist education efforts for all affiliated organizations and to provide additional Buddhist education programs.

· BUDDHIST SPIRITUAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
Stanford Hospital – Visits Buddhist patients to offer compassion, kindness & assistance.

· CAMPAIGN BCA – THE 21^ST CENTURY
A temporary committee to coordinate the solicitation of donations from the PABT general membership for this worthy BCA campaign.

· EI-TAI-KYO
Ei-Tai-Kyo “Eternal-Generations-Sutra.” This fund is supported by specific donations made in memory of the donor’s deceased relatives and/or friend. The name of the deceased, date of passing and receipt of the donation are entered in a special Ei-Tai-Kyo book which is kept in the alter. The resident minister conducts a service each morning dedicated to those named in the book for that day. Expenditures from this fund are limited to the purchase of religious items for the temple.

· ENDOWMENT
Builds a financial base that will provide our Sangha the revenue to ensure continuity in our efforts to spread the Buddha Dharma.

· FRIENDS OF OUR DHARMA
Supports the activities of the Dharma school teachers and students.

· FUNERAL
Assists the family of the deceased in arranging a funeral or memorial service.

· GROWING THE TEMPLE
Increases growth for the future with an emphasis on young adult membership, participation and leadership; helps maintain program continuity from one administration to the next.

· HALL
Establishes rental fees and use policies for all Temple facilities.

· HELPING HANDS GROUP
Volunteers who help arrange Yuwakai activities and aid any members in need of assistance.

· RELIGIOUS COORDINATING COUNCIL (RCC)
This Board affiliated committee is responsible for assisting, coordinating and planning the various religious programs and events at the Temple. The council consists of a chairperson and a representative from each of the affiliated organizations.

· SUNDAY HOSPITALITY GROUP
Volunteers greet and serve refreshments to the Sangha after Sunday service.

· THREE-PERSON ADVISORY
Acts as a liaison between the minister, the president, and the Temple leaders.

The Office

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A part-time secretary and various volunteers maintain the office. Except for emergencies, business matters and inquiries about general temple activities should be directed to the office during office hours.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto, California 94303
Telephone: (650) 856-0123
Fax: (650) 856-9130
Email Address: office@pabt.org
Web Site: http://www.pabt.org/

Facilities Reservations

The activity calendar and facility reservation listings are maintained by the secretary. Members are required to contact the secretary to schedule activities. A complete list of the year’s religious services and the activities planned annually by affiliated organizations is available by calling the office.

The Sangha Guide

The Sangha Guide, a monthly newsletter is an important means of communicating with members. The newsletter contains interesting editorials by the resident minister, as well as current news from the various affiliated organizations. Articles and news items from members are welcomed and should be submitted to the office no later than the 10^th of each month for publication in the next month’s issue. This monthly newsletter is published in both Japanese and English and is mailed to the members’ homes.

Joining the Temple

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The PABT is a gathering place where members and friends are encouraged to practice, promote, and spread the teachings of the Buddha and Shinran Shonin according to the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha. Membership is open to anyone who professes a sincere interest in this stated purpose, and who will abide by the by-laws of the Temple. The Sangha currently consists of families from throughout the California Bay Area.

How to become a member

Membership information and pledge card are provided in this packet and is also available on the web site. To become a member, fill out the pledge card, provide your monetary pledge and mail to the office.

Pledge System/Donations

Pledge System

Funds generated from the pledge system are primary resources needed for the day-to-day operations of the temple. How should you determine your pledge amount? Information on the operating expenses of the Temple and average pledge amounts per family are provided in this packet.

Membership

· All members will enjoy equal membership status regardless of the difference in the pledged amount.

· Husband and wife (or one family unit) are considered two members with one pledge

· Single adults are encouraged to become members.

Payment Method

· Pledge payments may be made in one lump sum annually or in semi-annual, quarterly or monthly payments.

· Pledges can be paid by using the pledge coupon booklet and self-addressed envelopes provided by the office.

Donations

Donations to the temple or to any of its affiliated organizations are gratefully accepted and are essential to supplement the pledge income in meeting operating expenses. Donations are generally made at special services, events, and special occasions. Amounts of donations are determined solely by one’s feeling of Dana.

Membership…A Two-Way Path

When we speak of the “Temple,” we usually mean more than a building with a roof, a parking lot with stripes, or a gym with a stage. Along with the shrine, when we say “Temple,” we mean people, talks by Sensei, classes; we think of choir practice, celebrations, pot-luck luncheons; and we remember board meetings, club meetings, and committee meetings. What do members of the Sangha expect from their temple?

As members, we may expect any visit to the temple…

· to be an opportunity to increase our understanding of the Dharma, to aid in the discovery of the Buddha nature within each of us, and to help us appreciate the importance of the Sangha in our ever-changing day-to-day living;

Joining the Temple (continued)

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· to provide time to practice, perhaps to rehearse, those thoughts, attitudes, and actions which contribute to a more wholesome existence;

· to include the warmth that arises as we greet friends, exchange thoughts or simply view the “temple” garden; and

· to evoke those special feelings which entwine us as we experience the sounds, the voices, the candlelight, the flowers, the incense…and we intone our expressions of gratitude before Amida’s shrine.

In addition to these expectations, each member, in the course of the year…

· may attend regular Sunday services;

· may expect to participate in the celebration of all major Buddhist holidays, each with its special season, special pageantry, and special meaning;

· may choose to participate in discussion groups and study classes;

· may choose to join any of several auxiliary organizations;

· may make use of the library facilities maintained at the temple; and

· receives, monthly, The Sangha Guide from the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple and the Wheel of Dharma from the BCA National Headquarters.

· may join sutra chanting Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 am

On the other hand, what should the temple expect from its members?

Member should:

· demonstrate a sincere interest in the stated purpose of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple;

· support the by-laws of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple;

· attend Sunday services;

· participate in Buddhist holiday activities;

· participate in elections by voting for candidates to fill the necessary positions of the board and various committees;

· devote time and effort to fund raising activities and projects;

· share financial responsibility by being active in the pledge system; and

· participate in toban with their assigned toban group.

Looking forward to meeting you somewhere on the Path!

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

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PALO ALTO BUDDHIST TEMPLE

2007

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Term expires 12/07 Term expires 12/08 Term expires 12/09

Patti Bazinett Sally Barlow-Perez Jeanette Arakawa

Dean Kumagai Alice Fukushima Michael Bobroricz

Robbie Kashima Mark Hamamoto Joanne Chow

Tad Kuwano Gordon Joo Hid Kashima

Wayne Montgomery Ed Masuda Rick Kawamura

Eimi Okano Badsah Mukherji Sherri Kawazoye

Irene Preston Don Miyamoto Keith Matsuoka

Tosh Kameda Ruth Shiroyama JoAnn McLennan

Aiko Yamamoto Doug Tao Laura Norimoto

Carl Yanari David Kawakita Dick Tanemura

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President................................. Jeanette Arakawa

1^st Vice President.................... Dean Kumagai

2^nd Vice President.................... Mark Hamamoto

Secretary................................. Ed Masuda

Religious Coordinator.............. Michael Bobroricz

Controller................................ Ruth Shiroyama

Auditor.................................... Don Miyamoto

Ex-Officio............................... Carl Yanari

RESIDENT MINISTER

Rev. William Masuda

Special Service Descriptions

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• Bodhi Day Service – Commemorating the Enlightenment (Bodhi) of Sakyamuni Buddha. Usually observed on December 8^th.
• Children’s Day - Dharma service honoring the temple children. This is a service including the former Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) and Tango no Sekku (Boy’s Day). An Infant blessing ceremony (Hatsumairi/Shosanshiki), affirming newborns born during the past year, will also be held at this time.
• Dharma Family Service – Weekly Sunday morning service
• Eitaikyo Service – (Perpetual Memorial Service) Memorial service in which we honor in perpetuity deceased temple members.
• Eshinniko Service – Commemorating the contributions of Shinran Shonin’s wife, Eshinni.
• Gotan E: Shinran Shonin Day – Commemorating the birth of Shinran Shonin (May 21, 1173), founder of our Jodo Shinshu Sect.
• Hanamatsuri – Celebration of the birth of Prince Siddhartha who upon attaining Enlightenment became known as Sakyamuni Buddha. Usually observed on April 8^th.
• Hatsubon Service – First year memorial honoring deceased members who have passed on since the previous Obon.
• Ho-Onko Service – Gathering to commemorate the death (January 16, 1262) of Shinran Shonin and to express appreciation for his life and teachings.
• Joya E Service – New Year’s Eve service
• Kakushinniko Service – Commemorating the contributions of Shinran Shonin’s daughter, Kakushinni.
• Nirvana Day (Nehan E) –Observing Sakyamuni Buddha’s death as his entrance into Great Nirvana. Usually observed on February 15^th.
• Obon Service – Annual summer service offering Buddha’s life of awakening for all being through our expression of gratitude for those who passed, including one’s ancestors.
• Ohigan Services – Held during the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. During these two seasons of balance, the meaning of the Buddhist goal of the Other Shore of Nirvana is emphasized.
• Shusho E Service – New Year’s Day service to commemorate the New Year.
• So-Cho Ki – (Past) Bishops’ Memorial Service

2007 Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Special Religious Services and Activities

Jan 1 Mon 10:00 AM Shusho-E: New Year's Day Service

7 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Service & 2007 Officers Installation Ceremony

14 Sun 10:00 AM Goshoki Ho-onko: Shinran Shonin Memorial Service

20 Sat 6:00 PM Temple New Year's Dinner

28 Sun Noon BWA Installation Luncheon & Hawaiian Hula Program

Feb 10 Sat 5:00 PM Dharma School Family Potluck

18 Sun 10:00 AM Nehan-E: Nirvana Day

Mar 10 Sat 5:00 PM Dharma School Parents' Night Out

17 Sat 5:30 AM Jr. YBA Spaghetti Dinner

24 Sat 10:00 AM Spring Ohigan Seminar – Rev. Tetsuo Unno

25 Sun 10:00 AM Shunki Higan-E: Spring Equinox Service & Shotsuki Hoyo

April 8 Sun 9:30AM Hanamatsuri: Buddha's Birthday Service

22 Sun 10:00 AM Eshinniko: Shinran Shonin's wife's Memorial Service

29 Sun 11:00 AM Spring Temple Cleanup - TENTATIVE

May 6 Sun 9:30 AM Shosanshiki: Infant Presentation (Blessing) Ceremony

6 Sun 10:00 AM Children's Day Service

13 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Service - Mother's Day/ "Parents' Day"

20 Sun 10:00 AM Shusho Gotan-E: Shinran Shonin's Birthday Service & Shotsuki Hoyo

27 Sun 9:30 AM JA Community Interfaith Memorial Service (Alta Mesa)

June 3 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Service/ Temple Picnic at Mitchell Park

10 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Baccalaureate Service in honor of Sangha Graduates

10 Sun 11:00 AM Graduation Luncheon

24 Sun 10:00 AM Sochoki: (Past) Bishops' Memorial Service & Shotsuki Hoyo

July 8 Sun 10:00 AM Obon-E & Hatsubon-E: Buddhist Memorial Day Service

20-22 Fri-Sun Thomas Matsuda Exhibit

Aug 4-5 Sat-Sun All Day PABT Bazaar & Obon Odori

19 & 26 No Service - Summer Break

Sep 2 Sun No Service - Labor Day

9 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Back-to-School Service

9 Sun 11:00 AM Back-to-School Luncheon

22 Sat 10:00 AM Fall Ohigan Seminar – Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno and Rev. Dr. Mark Unno

23 Sun 10:00 AM Shuki Higan-E: Autumn Equinox & Shotsuki Hoyo

Oct 21 Sun 10:00 AM Kakushinniko: Shinran Shonin's daughter's Memorial Service

28 Sun 11:00 AM Dharma School Halloween Luncheon Party

Nov 4 Sun 8:00 AM BWA Breakfast Fundraiser

4 11:00 AM Autumn Temple Cleanup

18 Sun 10:00 AM Eitaikyo: Perpetual Memorial Service & Shotsuki Hoyo

25 Sun 11:00 AM Dharma School Baked Potato Snack

Dec 9 Sun 10:00 AM Jodo-E: Bodhi Day Service & Shotsuki Hoyo

23 Sun 11:00 AM Dharma School Mochitsuki

31 Mon 5:00 PM Joya-E: Year End/ New Year's Eve Service

January 2008 Special Religious Services and Activities

Jan 1 Tue 10:00 AM Shusho-E: New Year's Day Service

6 Sun 10:00 AM Dharma Family Service & 2007 Officers Installation Ceremony

13 Sun 10:00 AM Goshoki Ho-onko: Shinran Shonin Memorial Service

19 Sat 6:00 PM Temple New Year's Dinner

27 Sun Noon BWA Installation Luncheon & Hawaiian Hula Program